Archive for 2025

shanti baba

Posted on June 1st, 2025 Comments Off on shanti baba

I’ve been buying my incense (and occasionally other products) from Shanti Baba since TCL started and I still can’t recommend them enough. I even have one of their discontinued and seemingly indestructible shopping bags to prove it.

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures

portland pause

Posted on May 31st, 2025 Comments Off on portland pause

Portland near Queen West (bigger version)

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures

Raisin Gang: Marissa Caldwell

Posted on May 30th, 2025 Comments Off on Raisin Gang: Marissa Caldwell

With another couple of weeks gone it appears that my threat of an exposé wasn’t sufficient so now I’m forced to take the next step. Keep in mind that this is all on you, Raisin Gang — YOU FORCED ME TO DO IT!

Next target: Marissa Caldwell

I first noticed this Gang member when she impersonated Babette “The Fishin’ Magician” Sinclair. The following video aptly demonstrates why the cruel and deceptive Raisin members need to be exposed:

You may have noticed another Gang member, Thomas P. Conway, posing as Marissa’s hapless sidekick. They’re all in it together!

Should there be any doubt regarding the Gang’s callousness, here’s another video in which they harass writer, actor, and director Dan Ramos:

There’s yet another clip in which Marissa confirms her sadistic tendencies but I’m sure that by now you get the idea. It should therefore come as no surprise that after she split from the Gang she spent some time producing filthy corporate videos and luring children overseas. Proving that evil knows no bounds, she’s currently an intellectual property lawyer.

Maybe I’m nuts to make such an offer but I’m still willing to reel this series in if anyone from the Gang reaches out to me. However, time’s running out and my patience will soon disappear!

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Videos

guardian garage

Posted on May 29th, 2025 Comments Off on guardian garage

Ways Lane and Robinson Street

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures

god garden

Posted on May 16th, 2025 Comments Off on god garden

Garden of the Greek Gods, Canadian National Exhibition grounds

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures

Raisin Gang: Thomas P. Conway

Posted on May 14th, 2025 Comments Off on Raisin Gang: Thomas P. Conway

It’s been well over a month and no one from the Raisin Gang has bothered to get in touch so … I’m making good on my threat.

Might as well start with the guy I featured in the initial post: Thomas P. Conway

Here he is, ostensibly auditioning for Saturday Night Live as the cast of Seinfeld:

Despite the stellar performances I don’t believe Tom was ever included in the SNL cast.

Shame.

He did nevertheless give us a great send off as the late Andy Rooney.

I was able to find a bit more info on Tom and it turns out he’s not dead or starving in a gutter somewhere. In fact, he ended up being a talented TV writer (and comedian), despite his dyslexia.

Moreover, he did a great impression of Sean Connery which, to me, suggests that his focus on writing is simply a front for sublimated impersonation, even if only in the form of voice-overs.

As previously mentioned, I strongly encourage Tom to get in touch before I expose any of his compatriots in a similar fashion. Y’all been warned!

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Videos

Old Empire

Posted on May 8th, 2025 Comments Off on Old Empire

I remember walking by Empire Office Equipment many years ago when its Queen West storefront displayed quaint and dusty office hardware that had been stacked there, seemingly, for convenience rather than for display. The grimy windows and murky interior made it hard to see inside but it appeared to be packed with nicotine-infused business furniture and apparatus that weren’t modern even at that time.

The place didn’t ever look open to casual foot traffic or, for that matter, ever actually open at all. Posted business hours were nowhere to be found and given the stuff perennially piled up against the front door it now seems appropriate that all that remains today is found in an alley at the back.

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures

well now

Posted on May 7th, 2025 Comments Off on well now

Emergence” @ The Well
@ the sinuous, cathedral-like Well

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures

/sectionb: NAVEL INTELLIGENCE

Posted on April 15th, 2025 Comments Off on /sectionb: NAVEL INTELLIGENCE

… in which the Section arrive at the boathouse where Arti and Cornelius furnish them with a warm welcome, and a few answers. Sort of.

Filed under: /sectionb, Dispatches, Patrick Bay

no loitering

Posted on April 13th, 2025 Comments Off on no loitering

@ Queens Quay West

If it wasn’t for bureaucracy this city would be no fun at all.

Filed under: Dispatches, Patrick Bay, Pictures